Wheatgrass is a oxygen-filled super food

My dog just turned me on to one of nature’s most beneficial food sources for humans (and dogs and cats): wheatgrass. We’ve all heard of wheatgrass juice and yes, this is the same stuff. Now unpucker your face and read on!

It all started because my dog Katie loves to eat grass. At first this habit concerned me because I’d only heard that dogs eat grass when they’re sick. True, but then I did some research and it turns out that some dogs just enjoy grass and are often looking for something to replace the nutrients their diet is missing.  Oh, so grass has nutrients…duh, yeah like most things we are surrounded by; grass has been overlooked and at best relegated to the “ornamental” category. Most grass belongs there, but not wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is different. Anyway as providence would have it, my next issue of Dog Fancy magazine featured a one-pager on growing pet grass and suggested it was a good way to ensure that the grass my dog was eating was in fact nutrient-rich, organic and clean. So I went on line in search of organic hard red winter wheat berries to purchase and germinate for Katie.

I easily found the wheat berries I needed at a very reasonable price. I also found an enormous amount of information about wheatgrass and I soon began to understand that I would be growing this wheatgrass for my dog AND for me. In fact, I wondered why more people didn’t use wheatgrass in their diet as it seems to be one of the earth’s super foods – let me tell you a little bit of the info I found about wheatgrass:

Let’s start with chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the “blood” of plants. Virtually identical to our own hemoglobin (both substances carry oxygen to cells), chlorophyll is oxygen and nutrient rich and is easily absorbed into our blood making nutrient delivery efficient. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green. It is critical for photosynthesis which allows the plant to literally absorb sunshine and turn it into energy.

Here are some great things I learned about the benefits of wheatgrass chlorophyll from the folks at WheatGrassKits.com:

• Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

• Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll.  The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.

• Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer. (think wheatgrass pulp)

• Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility.  (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)

• Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

• Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

• Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

• Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

• In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.

• Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”

• According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.

Hard to argue with the benefits of chlorophyll or that wheatgrass is a great way to get chlorophyll.

Wheatgrass as survival food

As stated above, wheatgrass has over 100 elements needed by man for bodily survival. Wheatgrass contains the entire range of necessary vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential amino acids, and nutrients (including beta carotene, folic acid and vitamin C) that we need to survive.

Wheatgrass is a complete protein. So basically if all you had to eat was wheatgrass, you could make it for quite a while and be quite healthy too.

Wheatberries (wheatgrass seeds) can keep for years (like 50+) as long as you store them in a cool, dry space and in an airtight container.

Wheatgrass in daily diet

Taking into account what I’ve already shared re: benefits of wheatgrass chlorophyll, fresh, high quality wheatgrass juice has also been said to be useful in:

• Detoxing the organs

• Strengthening the immune system

• Boosting the body’s PH levels, reducing food cravings (weight loss/control)

• Improving eye sight and night vision

• Enhancing gum health

• Rejuvenating tissue

• Reversing the aging process, including eliminating gray hair (I know, right?!)

So what’s bad about wheatgrass?

While there’s nothing truly “bad” about wheatgrass and it is not toxic in any way even if you consume high quantities, there can be adverse effects to consuming too much wheatgrass juice. Keep in mind that wheatgrass is an excellent detoxifier, but detoxifying is never something you want to do too much or too fast.

If you’re new to wheatgrass you should limit your intake to 1 oz of wheatgrass juice per day, max. Keep to this for at least the first week. After that you can build to 2 oz per day, but even then the safest way is to take 1 oz in the morning and 1 oz in the evening. This stuff is potent!

Drink wheatgrass on an empty stomach or you may experience nausea. Wait at least half an hour before eating.

How to get wheatgrass into your diet

There are many ways to get wheatgrass into your daily diet, but keep in mind that fresh, organic wheatgrass juice is best. You can buy it flash-frozen and here are some links for you to consider in that regard:

For most of us, that means growing and juicing our own. So here are some tips on that:

Growing your own wheatgrass

Organic Hard Red Wheat Berries

You can certainly buy wheatgrass growing kits and for the beginner that may be the easiest route at first. But growing wheatgrass is really easy and if you want to go it alone, you’ll need:

• Organic hard red wheat berries
• Fine mesh strainer
• Cup or jar
• Plastic sprouting tray
• Organic potting soil
• Paper towels
• Plate or draining saucer

Instructions:

• Using the strainer, rinse berries well under pure running water
• Pour the berries into the cup or jar and fill with water, just covering the berries
• Soak the berries for 8 to 12 hours (shorter in the summer, longer in the winter)
• Fill your plastic tray with potting mix and place the tray on the plate or saucer
• Drain the berries using the strainer, rinsing gently and spread them evenly over the soil
• Layer 2-3 paper towels over the berries and water over the towels. Do this every day for 3 days, making sure the paper towels stay moist
• In 3 days time you should have grass shoots, so remove the paper towels and put the tray in a sunny location
• When the grass is 6-7 inches tall, it is ready for juicing and eating

Stuff to help you grow your own:

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit – Grow & Juice Wheat Grass: Trays, Seed, Soil, Instructions & More	Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit w/ Hurricane Stainless Steel Wheat Grass Juicer- Everything to Grow & Juice Wheatgrass	Certified Organic Hard Red Wheat – 5 Lbs – For Growing Wheatgrass to Juice, Sprouting Seed, Grinding to Make Flour & Bread, Growing Ornamental Wheat Grass & More. Makes Excellent Food Storage. Outstanding Germination Rate.

Juicing your wheatgrass

You’ll definitely need a juicer for this process. Blenders don’t really work. Some find luck using a mortar and pestle. Either way, here are some tips:

• Cut the grass ½ “above the soil surface with scissors
• If using a juicer, follow instructions in the juicer manual
• If using mortal and pestle, first chop up the grass. Then, while adding a little water at a time, grind it into a fine paste. Use a clean muslin cloth to strain the juice into a cup. Repeat the process using the same leaves until the grass turns white (this means all the chlorophyll has been extracted)

Here are some additional links that may be of help to you:

Wheatgrass Juice 90 Caps	Wheatgrass Deep Cleansing Shampoo 12 Oz	Wheatgrass Sprouting Seed Cert. Organic (Agropyron elongatum; Tall Wheatgrass) 1 lb: C	Wheatgrass Nature’s Finest Medicine

Wheatgrass	The Wheatgrass Book	Starwest Botanicals Organic Wheatgrass Powder, 1 lbs	Healthy Juicer - Manual Hand Powered Wheatgrass Juicer - Wheat grass juicer

Resources:

Adamson, Eve (2011). “Grow Pet Grass”, Dog Fancy, August 2011

Stewart, Christopher. “Wheatgrass Exposed”, WheatgrassKits.com, 2009, http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/issue3.htm

“Benefits of Wheat Grass”, AmazingGrass.com, accessed August 2011,  http://www.amazinggrass.com/benefits-of-wheat-grass.html

“What Are Wheat Grass and Wheatgrass Juice?”, DynamicGreens.com, accessed August 2011, http://www.dynamicgreens.com/wheatgrass-benefits-of-wheatgrass.html

“Side Effects Of Wheatgrass”, WheatGrass.me, access August 2011, http://www.wheatgrass.me/side-effects-wheatgrass

“How much wheatgrass juice should I drink?”, HappyJuicer.com, access August 2011, http://www.happyjuicer.com/wheatgrass/how-much-wheatgrass.aspx

By

In Maharishi Ayurveda seasonal purification is recommended on a regular basis. But the removal of environmental toxins is not the only priority. How in-depth purification is accomplished is one of the great strengths of Maharishi Ayurveda.

According to the classic Ayurvedic model, there are 6 distinct stages to the development of a disease state. The early stages generally involve seasonal imbalance of the doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. For example, not following a good balanced routine in summer may increase the pitta or heat element in the body. These early stages of an Ayurvedic imbalance usually can be treated with diet and routine changes. However there are other imbalances and accumulations of toxins that need more specific treatment.

The Three Amas

The concept of toxins, called “ama”, is unique to Ayurveda. Maharishi Ayurveda recognizes 3 types of ama.

Ama is described in the texts of Ayurveda as heavy and sticky. Think of plaque accumulating in arteries and you have a general idea. But ama goes deeper and farther. It collects in all of the “gaps” – and there are millions – in the body. It is formed through poor dietary habits and low digestive fire (weak digestion). Over time ama tends to accumulate in the body and block the channels of the body, causing a variety of conditions. That is basic ama.

But there is a more troublesome kind of ama, more toxic. It is called amavish. This type of ama mixes with the doshas, tissues or waste products of the body. In the Ayurvedic model, this type of ama is believed to cause more chronic health problems. The third type of ama is called garavish; this kind of ama is associated with the accumulation of environmental toxins. All of these kinds of ama can be eliminated. The approach to eliminating them starts with the highest principal first:

The texts of Ayurveda describe the solution in Sanskrit: “Chikitsatam vyadhikaram pathyam sadharanam aushadam prayshitam prakritisthapanprashanam itaman. ”

The saying translates as:“Eliminate that which is not wholeness, that which is disrupting, by that which is suitable for the self, with procedures and preparation to restore the self to re-establish prakriti (wholeness) and pacify by that which is conducive to health.” This is why Maharishi Ayurveda experts always recommend the Transcendental Meditation program, because this is a program that creates balance in mental states, which has a powerful beneficial effect on the body.

Identifying Imbalances – Secrets the Pulse Reveals:

In taking the pulse, the Vaidya is assessing two key areas. He learns their Prakriti – their essential nature – as well as the nature of their imbalance or their Vikriti. From this knowledge the Vaidya begins to recommend specific ways to accomplish this. Only through skilled Ayurvedic diagnosis can the Vaidya determine the strength of each treatment needed and the sequential placement of treatments needed to restore balance or prevent the development of a deeper imbalance. Throughout this process, it is essential to not create a new imbalance or set of symptoms. This is one of the great distinctions and directives of Ayurveda: solve problems without creating new ones. 

The Vaidya employs a variety of methods of purification to restore balance to all areas of the body and mind. The treatments support the body’s natural ability to purify itself. This is a key feature of Maharishi Ayurveda. The tools available at his disposal include herbal formulas, purification treatments, sounds, aromas, yoga postures, diets and specific foods, the practice of Transcendental Meditation, and adjustments to routine and lifestyle, among many others.

In an intensive approach, he might recommend Maharishi Rejuvenation Therapy. This approach applies the ancient Ayurvedic techniques of purification known as Panchakarma. This program focuses on the elimination of various types of ama (impurities), thereby restoring balance. The process is done in residence with expert oversight because the biotransformation systems through which this purification occurs are delicate yet powerful. It is a customized process for each person that must be supported with the right nutrients, right treatments at the right time without weakening the body.

Purification does not focus on just one area. Many detox programs focus on just the liver or the bowel. Maharishi Ayurveda provides a more complete approach and understanding – all areas of the physiology must be supported for purification to be effective. In addition, Maharishi Ayurveda recognizes and provides after treatment programs to strengthen those systems over time and recommends individually tailored post-purification programs. This customization includes diet, routine and herbal preparations. The post-purification program adds knowledge, because there is no point in doing purification if one continues to make the same mistakes. Maharishi Ayurveda equips the patient with knowledge so he can become more self-reliant. This is one of the beauties of the approach – it empowers the patient with knowledge and effective tools for maintaining increasing states of balance. This robust body of patient-supporting knowledge makes it easier for a person to follow an Ayurvedic routine daily and seasonally. This better ensures that the body and mind stay balanced. This is the foundation of averting health problems before they arise: first restore balance and then maintain it with mental and physical methodologies.

This system of purification allows for different levels of personal participation – from in-residence intensive purification program, to home cleansing, and herbal forumulations. If one cannot do Panchakarma then there are excellent herbs available from Maharishi Ayurveda Products.

What the Texts Say

The 5000 year old Ayurvedic texts speak thoroughly about “elimination therapy” (shodhan therapy).

“The vitiated dosas are eliminated from the body through the alimentary tract (koshtha), the power of digestion and metabolism is enhanced, diseases are cured and normal health is restored; the sense faculties, mind, intelligence, and complexion become clear (prasada); one gains strength, plumpness, offspring and potency; one is not affected by old age and lives long without any disease. For these effects, one should undergo elimination therapy in proper time. The dosas alleviated by light diet and digestive drugs (shamana therapy) do at times get aggravated but those eliminated by shodhana therapies do not recur. The dosas can be well compared with trees. Unless the tree is uprooted it will continue to grow. Such is the case with the vitiated dosas. They go on causing diseases unless they are eliminated from their very root (source).”

In panchakarma and in any Ayurveda purification program there are 3 stages of the purification process. 

• Stage one is Purva Karma. This means pre-treatment. At this stage decisions are made as to the nature of the imbalance of doshas, the type and amount of ama and the quality and type of digestion. Once this is determined, only then can the most effective program be given.
• Stage two is Panchakarma or the purification programs themselves. Specific treatments are given for loosening and initiating the removal of toxins. In other cases herbs are more appropriate. There are specific treatments to open shrotas, the channels of the physiology. There are special natural ways to facilitate the pacification or removal of excess doshas and ensure good elimination.
• Stage three occurs after the main treatments. At this stage the body is considered ready for Paschat Karma or post treatment. In this stage digestion is slowly restored to a balanced state and specific diet and routine and strengthening herbs are given to ensure future good health and a long happy life free from serious imbalances. Again many factors have to be taken into account; each patient is treated on an individual basis, so the program is specific to their state of balance and imbalance (Prakriti and Vikrirti).

The Science

Scientific research on Maharishi Rejuvenation Therapy has demonstrated beneficial effects on short term memory, long term memory, speed of processing, alertness and general intelligence. It has also been shown to increase psychological well being. In a study published in the September/October 2002 issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, it was shown that Maharishi Ayurveda Panchakarma therapy greatly reduces the levels of 14 important ‘lipophilic’ (i.e. fat-soluble) toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in the body, which would otherwise remain in the body for a very long time.

Dr. Robert Herron, co-author of the study, said: “This is the first published study on humans to show that a specific detoxification regimen can significantly reduce blood levels of lipophilic toxicants known to be associated with many disease conditions including cancer.”

Dr. Herron explains that to neutralize their effect and protect itself, the body deposits lipophils in fatty tissues where they naturally reside, and, being surrounded by fatty molecules, cannot cause much harm. However, Herron says, their steady accumulation in the body due to the consumption of agricultural pesticides or other chemicals has a serious effect on long-term health.

Eventually, they reach a level where the tiny fraction that is in circulation becomes sufficient to produce potentially disastrous effects on cells throughout the body. This is when cancer may occur, particularly if other factors also favor it. One exciting fact is that for several subjects in the second part of the study quite high initial levels of a single toxicant (βHCH) were reduced to undetectable levels during the period over which the panchakarma treatment occurred.

Maharishi Rejuvenation Therapy and individual assessment by Maharishi Ayurveda experts is available at The Raj, America’s premier Ayurveda spa in Vedic City, Iowa. It is also available at the Lancaster Health Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts. 

Herbs for Home Cleansing

Herbs are seen as food by the body and are more easily absorbed. When the blend of herbs has a balanced synergy then they will be most effective and will not have side effects.

For all types of toxins, the first and foremost treatment is to improve elimination. Herbal Cleanse and Digest Tone  are gentle yet effective herbal supplements for cleansing the bowel. Herbal Cleanse contains rare forms of Senna Leaf and Turpeth Root along with six other herbs to aid natural elimination, enhance cellular purification and improve assimilation of nutrients.

Certain herbs are famous in Ayurveda for their detoxifying effect, such as Indian Sarsaparilla and Manjistha. These are contained in Elim-Tox  and Elim-Tox-O, which are highly effective in flushing out toxins from the liver, blood, sweat glands and elimination system. Other herbs included in these formulas are Manjistha, Tinospora Cordifolia, Rose Petals and King of Bitters to help balance and purify the liver. Indian Sarsaparilla, Red Sandalwood, Vetiver and Neem Leaf strengthen purification of toxins through the sweat glands and the skin. Other herb groups support elimination through the urinary tract, and still others support elimination of toxins through the stool and urine by lubricating the digestive tract. Both Elim-Tox or Elim-Tox-O purify all of the major elimination organs and systems in the body. Elim-Tox is faster acting, and is ideal if you have only simple ama. If you have a Pitta imbalance, or have some amount of amavisha, take Elim-Tox-O instead. It is slower-acting than Elim-Tox, but is safer for Pitta-based people because it first pacifies the reactivity of Pitta and amavisha before flushing out the toxins. Finally, Genitrac  helps flush out ama from the genito-urinary tract. It targets the genito-urinary channels to help eliminate toxins through the urine. So you can see that by using these three products together – Herbal Cleanse,  Digest Tone, Elim-Tox or Elim-Tox-O and Genitrac, you will be cleansing all of the body’s detoxification organs and the shrotas simultaneously to provide a holistic and balanced effect.

Western research has shown us the intricate mechanisms inherent in the human physiology for purification. Maharishi Ayurveda has reintroduced ancient techniques that utilize these processes to deal more effectively with either modern chemical toxins or the toxins we create through poor diet and routine, and does so in a way that is safe and balancing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAHARISHI AYURVEDA

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by

Spring is here and many are reading or thinking about detoxification and body cleansing protocols. The amount of information and number of products on the market with incredible promises are bound to confuse many. 

To detoxify and cleanse really means to help body eliminate excess waste and toxic build up. This is important because many of our discomforts and unwanted conditions at their root have toxin and waste accumulation in our bodies. That is why many of those discomforts and unwanted conditions are often resolved by regular application and implementation of a thorough holistic detox and body cleansing protocol. There are many ways to do this and some of the most popular include fasting, Master Cleanse, liver flush, herbal detoxifying teas, vegetable broths, juice fasts, media fasts, etc.

 It is very important to realize that your personal practice of detoxification and body cleansing is a very personal experience and really needs to be tailored to you personally and well understood by you. Only when you understand the “Why?”, “When?”, and “How?” of your protocol will you be able to truly embrace it and gain the most benefit from it. It is also very important to define for yourself your expectations and goals of the regular practice of holistic detox and body cleansing. There are no one-time drinks or pills that will with one sip resolve all of the challenges ahead of you. It is your responsibility to objectively assess your own state of well-being and to take steps accordingly to improve and create the level of wellness you envision for yourself. There are many wonderful health practitioners and wellness consultants who can help you collect all the pieces of the puzzle, but it ultimately has to be you personally to put the puzzle of your well-being together. Holistic Detox and Body Cleansing is one of those important pieces of the puzzle.

A thorough holistic protocol shall be cleansing and rejuvenating for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It shall be tailored to your personal needs and shall offer a time for cleansing and rebuilding your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. Ideally, your program will be based on real raw organic foods and herbs. On that base of a good cleansing diet each day of your ideal protocol will include some form of movement for your physical body. Implementing several forms of hydrotherapy at various times of day is of vital importance as well. To offer nurture and cleansing to your finer bodies, meditation, mindfullness, presence, and aromatherapy are two tools of great importance. Furthermore, it is important that your protocol address your major eliminative organs and systems in proper order and with proper amount of time allotted for each. That will ensure the most success and the least discomfort in your personal program.

Your experience is of utmost importance. The time you dedicate and invest in your personal wellness will pay you back with state of increased well being which is the basis for your growth and success in all other areas of life. Without your health and personal wellness and strength, you cannot help others or effectively and productively perform in any of your personal or professional endeavors. When contemplating and thinking about weather or not you have enough time, patience, and energy to take care of your own health, remember that without your own wellness and strength, nothing else you look to achieve in life is truly going to matter.

Many practitioners note a long list of reasons for cleansing and it most often includes the following: illness prevention, symptom relief, eliminating a specific condition, providing rest to organs, purification, rejuvenation, weight loss, clearing the skin, improving flexibility, improving fertility, enhancing the senses, increasing creativity, motivation, productivity, relaxing, energizing, etc. All of these are wonderful reasons to contemplate and choose to implement a detox protocol.

Thorough and personalized holistic detox and body cleanse is a healthy living skill of critical importance. Regular implementation of your protocol is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself and a very important investment in your personal state of well-being.

Ideally, you would prepare everything for your time of detox and cleansing ahead of time. In our practice it has shown to greatly improve everyone’s experience if they learn and understand how each of the steps affects them and why they may choose to have it as a part of their personal protocol. It is even better if one has time and space to prepare all of the herbal formulas at home, but when that is not possible it helps to learn how a specific herbal formula is prepared even if it is being purchased already prepared. That not only ensures selection of appropriate and quality formula, but also empowers one with knowledge and understanding so that in future they can adjust their protocol as needed and make some or all of the formulas on their own. 

Many books and publications also talk at length about toxicity symptoms that can serve as reasons for one to begin practice of this important healthy living skill. They most often include: headaches, allergy symptoms, constipation, fatigue, immune weakness, sleepiness , sleeplessness, indigestion, congestion, digestive problems, depression, irritability, frequent colds, bad breath, sinus congestion, skin rashes, acne, and many more. However, if we objectively assess the state of our environment, food sources, and personal lifestyle, we must realize that waiting for many of these symptoms to bother us and create problems in our daily life is truly not in our best interest. Embracing the practice of annual or bi-annual detox and body cleansing is a skill that can go a very long way in lessening the effects of stress, environmental toxicity, lifestyle and career demands, food quality, media ‘pollution’, etc.

Here at the Avokado Studio some of our dearest memories and stories come from empowering others to learn and implement this practice into their own lives. Detox Protocol Consultations and Classes are designed with that intention and structured to provide support throughout creation of your personal protocol. It is designed to provide you with knowledge and information about each step. In addition to that it also provides you with the knowledge and ability to prepare and create all of the herbal and food formulas and recipes for your personal holistic detox & body cleansing protocol.

We trust that this brief article will inspire you to create your own protocol this year or to build and improve the one you may already be practicing. If you would like additional support and guidance it will be my honor to help you along the way. Please feel free to email any of your questions to daniela@bodyandmindstl.com

 In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light,

Daniela Sales
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living
http://bodyandmindstl.com

FREE Herbal Remedy Recipe every month! Sign up for our email newsletter at http://bodyandmindstl.com

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

Related Links

• All Cell Detox 
• Definitive Detox: Insider Secrets to Radiant Health
• Detox 101: Super Simple Detox – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
• Detox for Body Health, Weight Loss, and Colon Cleansing
• The Master Cleanse
• Clean Start 14-Day Detoxification Program

Environmental toxins cause the skin to look old, leathery, and tough. Sesame Oil molecules absorb quickly through the skin, into the tissue to stop inflammatory processes, making the skin look and feel youthful, soft, and resliient.

Sesame seed oil is also a natural sunscreen.  If used full strength, it has an SPF 0f 4.

Sesame Seed Oil is cited in the book The Answer to Cancer Is Never Giving it a Chance to Start by Hari Sharma, M.D., et. al., as a cancer preventative.

Sesame oil has a number of health promoting- qualities. First of all, it soaks through the skin really well, so it can work inside the body an not just on the skin. Also, a study by Dr. Edwards Smith found that people who practice daily sesame oil massage have significantly less bacteria on their skin, which may seem like a modest start to preventing cancer. But it’s a start. The bacteria killer in sesame oil is probably linoleic acid, which makes up 40 percent of the oil. Linoleic acid is also anti-inflammatory, which is good for keeping your joints working smoothly and helping avert arthritis. The oil as a whole is good for your joints. It lubricates them, which is something that joints really appreciate.

One study found that sesame oil actually has anti-cancer effects (particularly anti-skin cancer, which makes sense, and also anti-colon cancer effects. The second one doesn’t make as much sense right off the bat, but the oil seeps in to reach beond the surface of the body.) Japanese researchers have found that sesame oil contains antioxidants, which, of course, are the front line warriors against cancer.

Sesame oil is also a wonderful ingredient to use as a base for homemade lotions and oils. It has a pleasant nutty aroma, mixes well with the other ingredients and the final product absorbs quickly so the skin is left soft, supple, and not feeling greasy.

ORGANIC SESAME SEED OIL IS A NATURAL PRODUCT WITH MANY THERAPEUTIC QUALITIES:

1. It is significantly more effective than salt in treating dry nasal membranes.
2. It is effective in targeting bacteria causing gingivitis.
3. It contains oleic acid, an effective reducer of serum cholesterol.
4. Ayurveda physicians use it to cure sinusitis and other conditions as nose drops, sniffed back into the sinuses.
5. It is used as an anti-bacterial throat gargle.
6. It helps joints and flexibility. When using a massage oil, stroke the long limbs up and down and use circular motions over all joints to stimulate the natural energy of the joints. Sesame Oil is an excellent carrier oil when mixed with essential oils.

HOW TO DO A DAILY OIL MASSAGE (ABHYANGA)

Abhyanga is a vital part of Ayurvedic daily care and a key Marharishi Ayurveda technique for supple, youthful skin and overall good health.

Instructions for Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga):

1. Heat about 1/4 cup of cured oil to just above body temperature.
2. Start by placing a small amount of the warmed oil on the palms and fingertips and vigorously massage the scalp. Massage the face and outer part of th ears also if you wish, but be gentle.
3. Massage both the front and back of the neck, and the upper part of the spine.
4. Massage the arms next, using a long, back and forth motion over the long bones and a circular motion over the joints. Massage both arms thoroughly, including hands and fingers.
5. Use a very gentle, circular motion to massage over the heart and a clockwise circular motion gently over the abdomen.
6. Massage the back and spine next, being careful not to over stretch.
7. Massage legs using the same long motion over the leg bones and circular motion over the joints, the same as the arms.
8. Last, massage the feet. Use the open part of your hand to massage vigorously back and forth over the soles. Wait about 10-15 minutes, if time allows before showering or bathing.

 

Recipe for Sesame Oil Lotion

If you don’t have the time to perform the massage daily, you can obtain great benefits from the use of Sesame Oil Lotion. This is very easy to make yourself. The recipe below is adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s recipe for Rosemary’s Perfect Cream. The recipe is sized perfect for a Magic Bullet, but a blender can be used as well.

2/3 cup distilled water
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
essential oil of choice
3/4 cup sesame oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 oz beeswax

Place distilled water, aloe vera gel, and essential oil in Magic Bullet cup. Place sesame oil, coconut oil, and beeswax in pan over very low heat. Heat just long enough to melt. Pour oils into the Magic Bullet cup and blend until creamy. Pour into cream or lotion jars. Store in a cool location.

Why Organic? Commercial oils, grown by agribusiness, use all the agricultural poisions necessary to produce the largest crop. Thre are no molecules of those poisons in organic oil.

Why Cold Pressed? Commercial oils are extracted with strong petroleum based solvents and heat to 450 degrees F. Such heat changes the excellent monounsaturated (oleic acid) fats to trans fats which are poisonous to the body.

Order Organic Sesame Seed Oil from Marharishi Ayurveda

Shop for the book The Answer to Cancer is Never Giving it a Chance to Start by Hari Sharma, M.D., & Rama K. Mishra, G.A.M.S. with James G. Meade, Ph.D.

Shop for the book Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2008). Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. New York: Story Publishing.
Marharishi Ayurveda. “Total Health Solutions” Spring 2010.
Sharma, H., Mishra, R. and Meade, J. “The Answer to Cancer is Never Giving it a Chance to Start”. pp. 114-115. New York: Select Books, Inc., 2002.

Related Links:

Basic Ayurvedic Massage Oil Formulas
Effortless Ayurvedic Beauty Program
Health Improvement: Use Sound Therapy to Improve Your Health
Maharishi Ayurveda
The Benefits of Sesame Oil
Your Beautiful Healthy Skin

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

by Daniela Sales

There is definitely no lack of information about antioxidants. Their name is quickly becoming a part of everyone’s vocabulary. They definitely are great allies in our journey of creating and maintaining wellness and health. However, we must realize that their use is not a substitute for a healthy diet, physical activity, and nurture and care for our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Antioxidants are definitely an important and ciritical part of the puzzle, but not a replacement for any part of healthy lifestyle and not a ‘magic pill’ as many advertisers would like us to believe.

In order to understant the importance of antioxidants we must understand free radicals.

Free radicals perform many critical functions in our bodies, but also contribute to and cause disease. Free radicals constantly form throughout our bodies. If not quickly trapped, they can create many problems by oxidizing DNA and creating environment for cancer, targeting fat cells and creating environment for heart disease and premature aging. It is in our best interest to keep them controlled by maintaining the advantage of antioxidants so that they do their job and not cause disease.

So called network antioxidants are of great importance to our health. Back in the late 1990s Dr Packer designated five antioxidants that work together within what he named the Antioxidant Network. The antioxidants he considered to be part of this network are lipoic acid, CoQ10, glutathione, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

Lipoic acid offers protection against cataracts, stroke and heart disease, prevents brain aging, turns off bad genes, and boosts the entire antioxidant network. What is remarkable about lipoic acid is that it can recycle all of the network antioxidants and it can regenerate itself (Packer, 1999, p. 32). Lipoic acid shows tremendous value in treatment of liver disease, and we can see significant success in its use for this purpose from cases reported by Burton Berkson, M.D., PhD who was able to save lives of numerous patients with liver disease like Amanita mushroom poisoning, hepatitis C, and severe liver infection. (Packer, 1999, p. 42) Lipoic acid also has tremendous benefits for controlling symptoms and preventing problems associated with diabetes. Dr. Dan Ziegler and Dr. F. Arnold Gries from Germany found that treatment with lipoic acid stimulated regeneration of nerve fibers in diabetics reducing pain and numbness associated with neuropathy within three weeks of patients’ taking 6oo mg of lipoic acid. (Packer, 1999, p. 47)

CoQ10 is a fat soluble antioxidant that has been used for many years to prevent and treat heart disease, but it also helps rejuvenate brain cells, and is being investigated as treatment for breast cancer. Within the network it regenerates vitamin E. Study by Dr. Folkers conducted in Denmark showed significant benefits of CoQ10 for those affected by cancer. (Packer, 1999, p. 101)

Glutathione is critical for body to detoxify from drugs and pollutants, maintain healthy liver function, and keep immune system running high. It is part of storage and transport of amino acids and is cell’s primary antioxidant. One of the best ways to boost levels of glutathione is to supplement with lipoic acid.

Vitamin E is well known as an anti-aging antioxidant. It provides help in protection from UV damage to the skin, helps relieve symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, and has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and inhibit growth of breast cancer cells. (Packer, 1999, p. 54) Dr. Tappel proved back in 1954 that vitamin E could stop oxidation of lipids in the blood. Vitamin E was also found by the National Institute on Aging to be a powerful cancer fighter as well as protector from heart disease. (Packer, 1999, p. 58) To reap all the benefits vitamin E can offer it is important to supplement both mixed tocopherol and tocotrienol forms of this vitamin.

Vitamin C provides connection between fat-soluble and water-soluble antioxidants and it recycles vitamin E better than lipoic acid. It helps protect DNA from free radical damage, protects sperm from free radical damage, strengthens the immune system, protects against cataracts, suppresses viral genes, strengthens the connective tissue, and is essential for great skin.

Dr Packer also identified following important boosters for the antioxidant network: flavonoids, gingko biloba, pycogenol, carotenoids, and selenium. These important antioxidants significantly boost performance of the antioxidant network.

Flavonoids are compounds found in plants and are very powerful antioxidants. It is believed that because of their high intake of flavonoids French are able to eat foods laden with fat and still have low incidence of heart disease.

Gingko and pycogenol can, among other powerful benefits, regulate nitric oxide and help maintain its optimal levels important for many vital functions and for health of cardiovascular system specifically. Gingko has been used in China since 2800 B.C. for problems with brain function, heart, and circulation, but it was discovered that gingko can also quench superoxide and the hydroxyl radical, two powerful and potentially dangerous radicals. (Packer, 1999, p. 122) Pycogenol was shown to extend lifetime of vitamin C, boost production of vitamin E and gluthatione, and quench superoxide, nitric oxide, and the hydroxyl radical. (Packer, 1999, p. 126)

Selenium works in synergy with vitamin E, protects us from many different forms of cancer, benefits our heart functions, and is necessary for production of several enzymes. It is however important to note that high doses of selenium can be toxic. (Packer, 1999, p. 143)

Above is just a very brief and basic overview of things we shall know about antioxidants. If you take nothing else from this article, it is my hope that you will remember that antioxidants are an important part of our holistic healthy lifestyle and wellbeing, but that they are not a replacement for other healthy living skills. The goal of this brief overview is to put basic information on antioxidants in simple and usable terms and at the same time remind you that lasting health and wellness is achieved only when we exercise our creativity in a constructive way, nurture all aspects of our being (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual), and live in synch and alignement with our purpose. The state of our health directly affects our success in other areas of our life and as important as our mental and spiritual development are, health of our physical body is of just as much importance.

May this article serve as a little spark of motivation to add another piece of the puzzle to your healthy and empowered lifestyle.

As always, please feel free to email any of the questions we may be of assistance with.

In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light,

Daniela Sales
daniela@bodyandmindstl.com
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living
http://bodyandmindstl.com

 References:

Packer, L., Colman, C. (1999). The Antioxidant Miracle. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Related Links:

Antioxidants and Why We Need The: A Brief Overview
High Intakes of Omega-3′s Linked to Big Health Benefits
Lyme Strategies Book Info
Nature’s Sunshine Utilizes Over 600 Tests to Guarantee Product Quality
Super Antioxidant Capsules Available at Nature’s Sunshine
Super Antioxidant Juice MonaVie for a daily dose of Acai – the highest rated antioxidant currently known on the planet!
Ultimate Guide to Vitamins and Minerals Book Info

The Effects of Environmental Pollution and Detoxification 

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest challenges we are faced with today. Toxic chemicals are polluting our environment daily. People and wildlife are dying from exposure to them. We often hear words “environmental carcinogens” because many of those pollutants are being linked to causes of various types of cancer. Environmental pollution affects everything and everyone – it is in our air, soil and water. Along with being linked to cancer, it really affects all aspects of our health: reproductive, immune, nervous, respiratory, etc. Toxins we are faced with range from heavy metals, chemical vapors, and plastics all the way to radioactive materials. All of them impair normal processes within our organism. An example of what happens when we are exposed to a toxic substance is the way Strontium-90 endangers our health. Strontium-90 is dangerous because of its affinity for calcium that helps it bond with foods rich in calcium. Once contaminated calcium is ingested through food, it takes Strontium-90 directly to our bones where it damages bone marrow (Mowrey, 1986, p. 88).  

Common signs that we are being exposed to harmful environmental pollution are: frequent headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, memory loss, poor immunity, skin rashes, frequent colds, etc. We need to re-evaluate things we are (not) doing to relieve toxic pressure of the environment on our bodies.  

Role of Detoxification 

In our modern lifestyle, it is impossible to avoid environmental pollutants. Toxicity of our environment keeps increasing and it would be foolish to think that we can simply devise a plan of eliminating exposure. We should not be wondering if we are being exposed to toxins, but rather what we can do to relive their effects. Detoxification is critical for maintenance of good health and vitality. Often we hear of cleanse/detox protocols which helped people heal or overcome various symptoms. Reasons for such effects most likely lie in the causes of the relieved symptoms coming from different toxic pollutants person was exposed to. Our bodies have natural systems in place for detoxification, but they are not able to effectively remove all of the modern world toxins without help. Including regular detoxification in our lifestyle will help us improve efficiency of toxin elimination by our body, increase level of immunity, boost efficiency of processes that liver, kidneys and intestines are in charge of, and help prevention of many degenerative and cancerous diseases. 

Make  Your Own Protective Herbal Formula 

Herbal Formula to Help Combat Environmental Pollution Effects 

Formulation: Capsules 

Recipe: Combine powdered herbs per below quantities (part refers to measurement by volume). Fill “00” size capsules. 

3-parts Apple Fruit Pectin; 2-parts Alfalfa; 2-parts Kelp; 2-parts Echinacea root; 1-part Reishi mushroom; 1-part Prickly Ash bark; 1-part Mullein; 1-part Red Clover; 1-part Yellow Dock root; 1-part Dandelion root; 1-part Burdock root; 1-part Boldo leaves; 1-part Milk Thistle; 1-part Celandine. 

To help minimize effects of environmental pollution on our bodies it would be helpful to use 2 to 4 capsules daily as you feel is needed. 

Properties and Actions 

Apple Fruit Pectin helps body excrete heavy metals (i.e. lead and mercury) much more efficiently (Morey, 1986, p. 91). 

Alfalfa helps regenerate strength and vitality by slow and deep action of its superlative restorative functions (Tierra, 1998, p. 84). It has antitumor activity as it can neutralize various chemical carcinogens in the liver and colon (Tierra, 1998, p. 91). 

Kelp helps prevent cancer and reduce the risk of poisoning from environmental pollution (Mowrey, 1986, p. 88). 

Echinacea is the best herb for blood and lymph purification (Tierra, 1998, p. 13). It increases cellular resistance and activates macrophages that destroy cancerous cells (Green, 2000, p. 31). 

Reishi mushroom supports immune system, stimulates macrophages protecting against cancer, and protects liver and body overall against free radicals (Green, 2000, p. 37). 

Prickly Ash bark stimulates blood and lymph circulation and acts as a blood purifier (Tierra, 1998, p. 183). 

Mullein helps remove excess fat where toxins are retained (Tierra, 1998, p. 13). 

Red Clover is a very useful blood purifier and helps build body’s resistance to allergies (http://www.herbreference.com). 

Yellow Dock is hepatic liver stimulant and laxative used for liver congestion (Tierra, 1998, p. 212). By working through liver and bowel it assists the body in dealing with metabolic wastes (Green, 2000, p. 35). 

Dandelion root is good blood purifier mainly affecting liver functions. It has ability to clear obstructions and aid liver in eliminating toxins from the blood (Tierra, 1998, p. 127). It may also help clear obstructions of gallbladder, spleen, bladder, and kidneys. 

Burdock root has abundance of minerals valuable for blood, but also promotes kidney function helping them filter the blood and eliminate harmful acids (Tierra, 1998, p. 105). Green (2000) calls it “deep food” because it helps move body into a state of well-nourished health protecting against build up of waste products (p. 35) 

Boldo is known for its use to help liver and gallbladder (Tierra, 1998, p. 102). 

Milk Thistle helps protect and regenerate liver (Tierra, 1998, p. 157). 

Celandine is primarily used as liver detoxifying agent and has been used in treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, cancer, and skin problems (Tierra, 1998, p. 116). 

A Few notes about the role of liver in process of detoxification: 

Our body detoxifies naturally through functions of the liver, kidneys, intestines, lymphatic system, lungs, and skin. Largest part of this process occurs in the liver where, in order to be eliminated safely, many toxic substances are converted to less- or non-toxic molecules. 

Toxins go through two detoxification pathways in the liver. First pathway breaks the toxic compound into intermediate compounds, while the second pathway works more efficiently at removing those bio-transformed products. The more effective second pathway is the less tissue damage will occur. Problems with either of these pathways will result in toxins being re-circulated in our body causing tissue damage and being stored in fat, bone, brain, and other organ tissue (Hoo, 2008). This puts tremendous stress on our liver, especially when we do not provide our body help in form of nourishment and detoxification on regular basis. 

Finally, please note that this homemade formula does not replace our need for implementation of yearly thorough detox protocols in our lifestyle, but is meant to offer strong support and protection to our bodies in our day-to-day life and minimize the stress environmental pollution places on our whole being. 

It is my hope that this above recipe will inspire you to try preparing your own herbal formula – weather using this specific recipe or creating your own. 

As always, please feel free to email any of the questions we may be of assistance with. 

In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light, 

Daniela Sales
daniela@bodyandmindstl.com
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living

http://bodyandmindstl.com 

FREE Herbal Remedy Recipe every month! Sign up for our email newsletter at 

223 S Kirkwood, Suite C
St Louis, MO 63122
P: 314 599 3649 

Walk In Hours: 

Mon – Fri 9am to Noon
Mon, Wed, Fri 5pm to 8pm
Sat 10am to 1pm
Other times by appointment only. Please email or call to schedule. 

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist. 

References: 

Green, J. (2002). The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook – A Home Manual. Berkley: Crossing Press 

Hoo, A. C. (2008). The Role of Detoxification in Chronic Illness [Electronic version]. Doctor’s Choice Nutrition, 2. Retrieved June 17, 2008, from http://www.doctorschoicenutrition.ca 

Mike Adams’ Natural News web site provides listing and herb properties with references (http://herbreference.com). 

Mowrey, D. B. (1986). The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Lincolnwood: Keats Publishing 

Shillington, I. (2005). Data Pack for Cleanses and More. Clearwater: Organic Solutions 

Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books

Our World, Illuminated
www.luminearth.com

DR. MERCOLA’S COMMENTS

Our World, Illuminated.

www.luminearth.com

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States. Government and independent scientists have scrutinized thousands of those chemicals in recent decades, and identified hundreds associated with a risk of cancer and other diseases at small concentrations in drinking water. But not one chemical has been added to the list of those regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 2000.

Recent studies have also found that even some chemicals regulated by that law pose risks at much smaller concentrations than previously known. However, many of the act’s standards for those chemicals have not been updated since the 1980’s, and some remain essentially unchanged since the law was passed in 1974.

Sources:
New York Times December 16, 2009
Prison Planet December 8, 2009
Dr. Mercola

Shared by Becki Baumgartner, Natural Health Consultant

Our World, Illuminated. www.luminearth.com

Natural Medicine and Ionic Detoxification

Family Herbalist: Clayton College of Natural Health
Certificate Course; Anatomy/Physiology Online course, www.alternativemedicine.com
Master Herbalist, Sage Mountain School; The Science and Art of Herbalism
Continued and Previous advanced training in Botanical Medicine.
Natural Medicine practice since 1995.
Naturopathic Practioner, 3 year internship – Dr. Deborahe Prock ND

Barefoot Approach to Natural Healing

Going back to nature to achieve good health with Herbs, Dietary, Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, and detoxification; with emphasis on treatments complimentary to any traditional medical treatments you may be currently using.

Herbal Remedies

To help reduce the cost and assure the freshest herbal compounds, I make many of the tinctures, teas and formulas that you may need.
Educational information on each of the herbs are supplied with every formula, refills are available by mail.

Alternative Healing

Ionic Footbath Detoxification

Many people are finding success ridding their bodies of unwanted toxins. The Ionic Footbath allows detoxification through the skin. Through the detoxification we can view the toxins affecting the body and determine the health problems that occur as a result.
Initial consultations include a detailed written evaluation of the toxins viewed during the ionic footbath with suggestions for detoxification.

Detoxification can assist in the following areas:

Enhancing the Immune System
Assist in recovery time from injuries and surgery
Relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis
Improve sleep patterns
Remove Heavy Metals and environmental toxins
Improve Liver and Kidney Function

Jyll Reneé, Master Herbologist
jyllrenee@comcast.net

Three Locations:

Home Office
45 Cambridge court
Anderson, Indiana 46012

Holistic Healing Arts
8607 W. Smith
Yorktown, Indiana, 47396

Days Healthy Living
1110 S. Peru Street
Cicero, Indiana 46034

Upcoming Events ~ Watch for the Next Date!

by Daniela Sales

People have been drinking tea and using it for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In recent years we have seen more research being done on the benefits of tea for our wellbeing and the results are confirming many of the traditional uses. There is a long way to go before we see a greater number of studies completed, but it should not be a reason for us to delay enjoying a delightful cup of tea and reaping the benefits.

Green tea and black tea are most commonly thought of when we mention tea drinking and many studies are done on them specifically. Many of their compounds have been identified as powerful antioxidants and nutrients offering great protection to our health and boost to our immune system, as well as aid in recovery from many distressed states.

Aside from green tea and black tea varieties we are also blessed by Nature with an abundance of herbal teas. Herbal teas have the advantage of absence of caffeine (except in few very rare cases). Also, depending on the herb or herbal blend you choose you allow yourself to benefit from their specific effects on our wellbeing. Herbs are one of the vital components of a healthy holistic lifestyle and their use is rather versatile. You can use them to season your foods; to create delicious hot and cold herbal teas; you can use them in salves and medicinal tinctures, oils, baths, etc. They truly are one of the incredible blessings we shall not overlook.

Several of the basic herbal teas that are delicious and of great help to every family are: peppermint, chamomile, yarrow flower, sage, lemon balm, nettle leaf, ginger, marshmallow, rosemary and ginger. There are of course many other wonderful herbs to use in your herbal teas, but these are a few that truly every family kitchen shall have.

To prepare your tea you can use variety of methods. Two most common ones are infusion and decoction. By preparing your tea in this way you allow your body and whole being to appreciate, enjoy, and benefit from the whole plant and its complete range of constituents.

The term infusion comes from the Latin word infundere, which means to pour in. To prepare a hot infusion, you pour hot or cold water over a dehydrated plant(s). For a hot infusion use 1 oz of coarsely chopped dehydrated herb to 500ml of boiling water and allow it to steep 20 to 30 minutes in a warm place. Strain and make sure to press out the pulp while straining. Add enough hot water after straining to make 500 ml and serve while warm with a little bit of your favorite herbal honey. 

There are several other ways to prepare your herbal tea, but hot infusion is one of the most simple and delightful ways to enjoy a cup of herbal tea during winter while also reaping the amazing benefits herbs provide us with. You are always welcome to send in any specific questions about herbal tea preparation and selection. Their daily use is very rewarding and I would love to encourage you to discover ways to us them in your own home. Below is a recipe for an herbal tea blend to try and make at home made up of herbs that are traditionally used to help body’s detoxification. We hope you will try it and use your creativity to customize it for your own use.

Herbal Detox Tea

Mix equal parts of dandelion root, burdock root, mullein, red clover herb, and milk thistle seed. Add to that equal half-parts of mistletoe, yellow dock root, cinnamon, orange peel, lemon peel and celandine. Add a pinch of dried stevia leaf. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

To prepare your tea: Put 1 teaspoon of herbs for each cup of purified water into a non-metal bowl. Soak overnight. In the morning bring to boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. Do not sweeten, but if you would like to make it milder use ½ tsp of herbs for each cup of water.

Let us know your experience and feel free to contact us at http://bodyandmindstl.com with any questions you may have. 

In Health, Love, and Light, 

Daniela Sales,

Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Coach

The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living

http://bodyandmindstl.com

Our World, Illuminated.
www.luminearth.com